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Golf’s return to the Games has descended into somewhat of a farce but Harrington will realise a dream by representing Ireland at the Olympics.

Who is he: The three-time Major winner needs no introduction. His achievements over the last two decades have already rubber-stamped his stature as one of Ireland’s greatest sports people and now he goes in search of Olympic gold.

Where’s he from: Rathfarnham, south Dublin.

Olympic CV: Harringtonwas very much at the forefront of the International Golf Federation’s bid to have golf reinstated to the Games and he has made no secret of his dream to represent Ireland. This means more to him than most.

Road to Rio: Not the way he would have wanted to qualify, but Harrington earned Ireland’s call following the withdrawals of Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and Graeme McDowell.

When does he start? Harrington’s bid for Olympic glory begins on 11 August.

What he says: “It would be great to win this one and the Olympics. If I was to pick one, an Olympic gold medal is something different and for the vast majority of the population of this world, it would certainly be a bigger achievement to win a gold medal than it would be a major tournament.” (RTÉ Sport, July 2016)

Medal chances? With more than half of the world’s top 10 going to absent, Harrington will be cautiously optimistic of his chances. He has made his intentions clear — that he is going there to win — and his recent form would suggest he’s tipping along quite nicely at the moment.

He’s not among the favourites but it wouldn’t be the first time Harrington has gone into an event and upset the odds.

Three out of five on our scientifically-developed, patented Jerry Kiernan scale…

And here’s something you probably didn’t know…The Olympics is an incredibly big deal for the Harrington family with his wife, Caroline, and two sons, Patrick and Ciarán, all making the trip to Rio.

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